The Stars Come Out for Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue

It was drizzling outside, but under the awning that covered the 10-foot-long red carpet in front of the Hard Rock Hotel, it was hot. Supermodels of every era stayed dry and picture perfect as they arrived in Midtown for a celebration of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue’s 60th anniversary.

The issue has four cover stars: Gayle King, Chrissy Teigen, Kate Upton and Hunter McGrady. Ms. King’s cover has been widely celebrated, mainly for continuing the magazine’s progress in moving away from what had long been its trademark: young, perky cover models.

As Ms. King made her way over the red carpet, she skipped past the entrance to the Venue on Music Row, where the party had started. She was in a rush and had to run up to Rockefeller Center for a taping of “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon.

“I was very flattered and very honored that they made that choice,” Ms. King said of being chosen for the cover. “I was always told that I was an insider, and I was excited just to do that. So, when the cover came out and I was there, it shows you anything is possible.”